Troubleshooting the KBA

The Data Source and Stavvy's Role

Please note that a separate, third-party system generates the KBA questions. Stavvy does not store, see, or have access to the specific questions, your answers, or the underlying data used to create them. Unfortunately, this means we cannot help you with specific questions or correct incorrect answers.

The range of questions for a Signer's KBA can potentially span their entire credit and public record history.

Best Practice for Success

To maximize the chance of a successful KBA attempt, we recommend giving your Signers a heads-up before the meeting. Ask them to review their credit history in advance of their signing appointment.

You can help them prepare by sending them this KBA article and reviewing the sample list of potential questions here.

KBA Questions Aren't Generating

Signer doesn't have a US Social Security Number

If the Signer does not have a Social Security Number or does not have enough credit, the KBA will not be able to generate any questions.

An ITN or EIN cannot be used in place of the SSN 

Common issues with a Signer's name

1. The Signer had a recent name change; KBA would not be able to generate any questions because there may not be enough history for that new name. The Notary can update the Signer's last name, and the Signer can try again.
2. The Signer is a Jr. or a Sr. (ex, John Doe Jr.) If so, update their name to include (or remove) the suffix and try again
3. Try adding or removing a middle name.
4. If the Signer is a POA and verbiage was added to their name to reflect that, the extra verbiage will need to be removed for the KBA portion to reflect only the Signer's name. 

Common issues with a Signer's address

1. If they have recently moved, try a prior address.
2. If the Signer lives outside of the United States, they should enter their most recent U.S address.

Questions or Concerns about the KBA Questions

Common reasons why your Signer might think the questions don't relate to them:

• They were added as an authorized user to a credit card belonging to someone else
• They have used someone else's mailing address in the past
• They co-signed on a loan
• If they are a Jr. or Sr., it's possible they may see questions related to the Sr. or Jr.
• They may see questions related to a spouse/ex-spouse